WINDHOEK, 12 MAY – Judrihano Thuys and Courtney Mouton were crowned the best male and female judo fighters here Friday as part of the maiden National Youth Games underway in Windhoek.
Thuys, fighting in the male 16-19 years (60 kilogramme) beat Granville Olkers to win gold and bragging rights in Jujitsu.
There were over 19 winners out of a total 40 fighters who took part in the competition.
Only two regions, Khomas and Erongo, participated in judo. Kavango East had one athlete registered for judo, but he could not take part as he was involved in another sports code during the judo competition.
Namibia Judo Federation (NJF) President, Roman Bock said quite a number of spectators, especially parents and friends of participants, showed up to support the competitors.
“Judo is not in most of the regions but we are busy with plans to spread it across the country, especially at grassroots level. The sport brings discipline to the kids and adds value to the society,” he said.
He said NJF will roll out the sport to public schools and they have also targeted the schools for the visually impaired and the hearing impaired.
Bock added that they are working with the International Judo Federation to help popularise the sport in Namibia, with the international coach already in Namibia to set the ground work.
He added that they are currently awaiting equipment from Europe to distribute it to public schools.
Bock, meanwhile, said the selection process of the team to participate in the Zone Five Games in Gaborone, Botswana in December will be completed by the end of games.
NAMPA
